Detroit Auto Show Will Host 50 New Debuts

We've been following news of Detroit-bound debuts and concept cars, and it looks like we have a lot more work ahead of us. The auto show released a statement that it's expecting a total of 50 new car and concept debuts when it opens next month. The 2014 auto year will kick off with a strong start.

"The manufacturers continue to show their confidence in the NAIAS, and will once again bring their absolute best to Detroit's world stage," said Bob Shuman, chairman, NAIAS 2014. "That means introductions of an expected 50 worldwide concept and production vehicles that will be seen for the very first time right here in Detroit."

Shuman said that the Detroit show will host 40 media events on January 13 and 14, the two media days that precede the public opening of the show. More than 5,000 journalists from around the world will be there.

We've gotten a sneak peek at a few of the debuts, including those from Audi and Kia/Infiniti/Lexus. One of the latest automakers to announce debuts is Honda, which says that it will be bringing the 2015 Acura TLX prototype and the 2015 Honda Fit to the show.

The TLX sedan is a new name for the Acura brand, replacing the outgoing TL and TSX. The sedan is the middle segment of a coordinated naming strategy that also includes the ILX entry level sedan and flagship RLX sedan.

"This all-new Acura TLX is the perfect blend of style and muscle with its elegant, well-proportioned exterior that cloaks the true sport sedan chassis and powertrain beneath," says Mike Accavitti, senior vice president, American Honda Motor, Co., Inc. "The sporty characteristics that customers found appealing in the TSX are even more pronounced in this aggressive new TLX."

Of the new Fit, Honda says, "The third generation Fit is set to offer enhanced fuel-efficiency and performance courtesy of its all-new platform and Earth Dreams Technology powertrain. Equipped with the Honda-exclusive next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure, the new Fit is also anticipated to earn class-leading safety ratings."